"I hear very positive things," Fuller told Digital Spy. "All of the creatives at NBC are so supportive of the show and want it back, and the schedules and salespeople are like, 'It's a new show, get rid of it'. We are banking on the creative people winning out over the salespeople.

"The ratings are not anything to jump up and down about, but the critical acclaim is great, and we're sort of a prestige project for the network, so we're hoping that's enough, like it was last year. There have been indications that it will be."

Fuller also revealed that he and his co-producers have considered alternative options for producing the third season, should NBC fail to renew the show.

"The confidence hasn't stopped us from seeking out backup plans that would get us a third season one way or another. There are many more options than there have been in the past. So I feel very confident about a season three.

"We end season two in such a strange way - boy, I would be pissed [if that were the end]! We don't quite land the plane, we leave the plane in the air."

NBC will announce its 2014-2015 slate and any cancellations at the New York upfronts on May 12.

Hannibal series 2 begins on Sky Living HD, Tuesday May 6 at 10pm. If you missed the first series, catch up On Demand.